Apparatus for forming tubular joints.



No. 633,430. Patented Sept. I9, I899.

c. T. snowman.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR JOINTS.

(Application filed Oct. 29, 1896.\ (No Model.) 5 Sheets$heet I.

1 W yM mm WASHINGYOI n c No. 633,430. Patented Sept. l9, I899.

C. T. CROWDEN.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR JOINTS.

(Application filed Oct. 29, 1896.)

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 2,

UZWMW rm: "cams PETERS co. PHO'IQ-LIYND.. wmdmcncm. n. c.

No. 633,430. Patented Sept. l9, I899. C. T. CRUWDEN.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR JOINTS.

(Application filed Oct. 29, 1896.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3,

No. 633,430. Patented Sept. l9, I899. C. T. GBOWIJEN.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR JOINTS.

(Application filed Oct. 29, 1896.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 4,

m: uonms PETCRS co. moroumo" wunmamu, n. c.

Patented se t. |9, |a99.

0. T. cnownzu, APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR .HIIINTS.v

w mg;52222;,,ZWY o UNITED STATES PATENT Orifice.

CHARLES THOMAS CRO\VDEN, OF BEESTON, ENGLAND.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING TUBULAR JOINTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent NO. 633,430, datedSeptember 19, 1899.

Application filed October 29, 1896. Serial No. 610,473. (110 model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES THoMAs Onow- DEN, a subject of the QueenofEngland, residing at Beeston,England, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Apparatus for Forming Tubular Joints, of whichthe following is a specification, the same having been patented in thefollowing countries, to wit: Great Britain, No. 22,721, November 27,1895; Hungary, No. 8,474, October 30, 1896; Austria, No. 47,659, March2, 1897; France, No. 290,681, October 24, 1896; Belgium, No. 124,210,October 29, 1896; Spain, No. 19,824, November 21, 1896; Italy, No.42,877/105, October 27, 1896; Canada, No. 54,984, January 21, 1897;India, No. 395/96, September 13, 1897; Transvaal, No. 1,253, November19', 1896; Victoria, No. 13,927, February 9, 1897; New South Vales, No.7,244, February 5, 1897; Tasmania, No. 1,824, February 8, 1897;Queensland, No. 3,739, filed February 6,1897; South Australia, No.3,538, February 2, 1897; Natal, No. 25/1,897, January 25, 1897, and NewZealand, No. 9,291, February 12, 1897.

This invention relates to the making of tubular joints and certaintubular articles, and although the invention is applicable to suchjoints in general I will describe it as applied to cycle frames and hubsand the like, to which it is peculiarly applicable.

The expression tubular joint hereinafter employed is to be understood asincluding a joint in which only one of the parts is tubular, as well asjoints com prising more than one tubular portion.

In carrying out one part of this invention I take the parts to bejoinedsay, for example, one of the frame-tubes and a lug or angle pieceor bracketand place them in any suitable supporting device or mold, inwhich I secure them in a manner to support the parts as may be required.

My object is to force certain portions of the one piece of metal intocorresponding portions or recesses of or in the other piece of metal,and to effect this I prefer to apply to the interior of the jointpressure in an outward direction. Preferably I employ fluid-pressure forthis purpose, one way of effecting this being to connect one or both ofthe parts to be joined with a hydraulic-pressure apparatus, closing upthe open ends of the joint as may be necessary and then ap plying thepressure. Cu p-leathers, pressurewashers, or other devices, or glands,stuffingboXes, or other packing may be employed for this purpose; but Ido not limit myself in this respect.

The indentations, recesses, or equivalent in one of the parts-say theouter onemay be formed in the process of manufacturing that part, as byrolling, casting, or the like, or the mold may be so formed that whenthe pressure is applied it will have the efiect of forcing outward bothparts of the joint, portions of the outer part of the joint thusentering the recesses in the mold and portions of the inner jointentering the recesses thus provided in the outer joint. I prefer to formthe interlocking. portions in' various directions, shapes, or sizes, soas to prevent movement of the joint in all directions, and I may employany suitable fiuid.

Another way of obtaining the pressure withoutthe use of the ordinarymeans of obtaining hydraulic pressure-such as accumulators, engines,pumps, &c.would be to place the mold with the joints filled with waterinto a refrigerator and by the expansive force of the. forming iceobtain the desired result.

By this invention all the parts can be finished before the joints aremade, so that no subsequent filing or similar operation is required, andthe whole frame may be put together at once, a suitable jig or moldbeing provided and the pressure applied to all the jointssimultaneously, or the joints may be made successively.

YVith this method of making joints no brazing, sweating, or the like isrequired, as the joint can be made sufficiently strong without this.Nevertheless I may employ any of these methods in combination with theprevious method, if desired. In certain cases leakage of pressure fluidpast the meeting surfaces of the joints can be minimized or prevented bytinning the parts before they are put into the mold or jig. The pressuremay be applied from outside in addition to or instead of the inside, inthe latter case the necessary resisting power being providedas, forexample, by plugging up the inner tube. The invention may be carried outwhere only one of the M parts is tubular.

In a modification of the methods above disclosed the hydraulic pressureinside the tube may be used as a mandrel to support the interior of thejoint while the interlocking pro- -"-jections and recesses are formedfrom the outside by hydraulic pressure. I

In the case of two tubular connections--say the joining of a tube into alug or bracket the latter is bored to fit the tube and has a right andleft hand spiral or other inclined groove cut or formed in or upon itsinterior surface. The tube is inserted into the lug and is forcedoutward, so as to swell parts of it into the recesses in the wall of thelug by internal hydraulic pressure. The joints may be brazed or sweated,if desired.

Where the tube is to be attached to a solid bodyas, for example, a rod,pin, or studthe spiral or other grooves may be formed upon the outersurface of the stud, which would then be placed inside the tube and thelatter pressed upon the stud, so that portions of it enter the recesses,as already described. By this means an effective lock against eithertorsional or tension strains is secured.

The joints are preferably made longer than usual and may be bird-mouthedor open at the ends to reinforce the joints in place of or in additionto the internal bushes usually employed with ordinary brazed joints.Even where ahollow lug or equivalent is employed the tube may, ifpreferred, be placed outside it and the recesses formed in the outerperiphery of the lug instead of inside.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section on the line1 1 of Fig. 2 of the lower part of a jig or mold for the diamond frameof a safety-bicycle according to this invention. Fig. 2 is a transversesection on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan of the lower part ofthe mold, partly in section, on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is atransverse vertical section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a section of one of the improved joints made in the said jigor mold and of the parts which aid in its production. Fig. 6 is avertical central section,in a plane a little to one side of the centralplane, of the remaining part of the jig or mold which takes the frontportion of the diamond frame. Figs. 1,

2, and 3 are drawn to a smaller scale than that of Figs. 4 and 5, andFig. 6 is drawn to a smaller scale than that of Figs. 1, 2, and 3. Fig.7 shows in longitudinal central section a tube inserted into a lug orbracket in readiness for a joint to be constituted by the mutualengagement of these parts, and Fig. 8 is a similar view showing thejoint completed. Fig. 9 shows in longitudinal central section the end ofa tube placed over astudin readiness for a joint to be constituted bythe mutual engagement of these parts, and Fig. 10 is a similar Viewshowing the joint completed. Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 8,showing the lug bird-mouthed, as aforesaid. Fig. 12 is a a longitudinalcentral section of a mold constructed according to this invention with atube within it, the latter being so treated in the mold as to form hubsfor cycle-wheels in the manner hereinafter described. Fig. 13 is atransverse section of Fig. 12.

Like letters and figures indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

With reference, first, to Figs. 1 to 6, A and B are parts of the moldintended to take the bottom stays. These parts are intended to separatein a horizontal plane along the line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Between theirmeeting faces are tubular cavities O to receive the two bottom stays.For convenience of boring these and similar cavities are carried rightthrough the jig or mold, as shown, these and other por tions of the moldhaving axial perforations D D intended to receive the bottom tube anddown-tube of the cycle-frame, respectively. Studs E retain the part D ofthe mold in proper relationship with the part A, being passed throughslotted holes for convenience in separating the parts when the mold lieson its side. Other bolts pass through holes B in the part B and similarholes in the part A to keep the parts A and B together. The part D isdivided along a vertical plane containing the 'aXes of the perforationsD D into two sections D D which when the mold is in use are retainedtogether by bolts D, Fig. 4, passed through holes D in the sections D DFig. 1. At D where the several sections of the mold meet, there is acavity to receive the bottom bracket barrel E of a safety-bicycle.Within this cavity are dies F to support the barrel in the desiredposition. These dies are divided, so as to draw back for convenience ingetting the parts operated upon into and out of the mold.

G is a tubular bolt inserted in the barrel E, as shown, with the ends ofwhich it is caused to make a tight joint by means of packingrings H,which rest against the ends of the bottom bracket-barrel E. The bolt Gis screwthreaded at G to receive a pipe by which fluid under pressure isadmitted to its interior.

G is a packing-ring at the bottom of the screwed cavity G to make atight joint between the hydraulic connections and the bolt. At theopposite end of the bolt is a nut G, engaging with a screw-threadedportion G thereof and acting to compress a packing-ring H against amovable bush J, which latter encircles the bolt and in turn compressesthe adjacent packing-ring H against the end of the barrel and draws allthe other joints up tight.

G are perforations which deliver the fluid from the hollow interior ofthe bolt G into the interior of the barrel E.

It will be seen that by the provision of the packing-rings H H and meansfor compressing them between the bolt G and the barrel and between thebush J and the barrel none of the fluid delivered into the interior ofthe barrel can escape past the ends thereof, and therefore all of it iscompelled to flow into the interior of the tubular portions of the framereceived in the tubular perforations O D D expanding them outwardly, theseveral members of the frame being drilled or otherwise perforated toallow a free circulation of the pressure fluid all through them, so thatthe tubes of the structure are used for conveying the pressure fluid tothe joint or joints.

It will be seen that the socket E, Fig. 3, in place in the perforation Oand connected to the barrel E is provided (see now Fig. 5) with internalgrooves or corrugations E some of them parallel with the length of thebottom stay K, which is to be engaged with the socket E, and othersannular and transverse to the length of that stay. The admission offluid under pressure to the interior of the stay-tube K causes thoseportions of it which are opposite the corrugations E to expand thereintoin such a manner that the tube K and socket E become firmly engaged witheach other, as shown in Fig. 5. In some of the other views certain ofthe joints are shown with their inner portions expanded into the outerportions,

while others are shown with the innerportions in readiness for similarexpansion. The operation of expansion just described with reference tothe tube K and socket E occurs simultaneously in all the otherjoints ofthe apparatus which are contained in the mold and are correspondinglyconstructed.

To prevent as far as possible the pressure fluid from getting past thejoints and to enable any fluid which may happen to get into or throughthe joints to escape, it is desirable to provide in each jointarrangements which in this case are shown only in Fig. 5, being toosmall to show clearly in the other views. These arrangements comprise agroove R in one member of the joint containing a rubber or otherpacking-washer E which encircles the other member. This packingminimizes, if it does not entirely prevent, passage of fluid between themeeting faces of the joint. Any fluid which may happen to leak past thejoint and get into the mold or jig escapes by escapements or holes, suchas S; otherwise it would tend to produce equilibrium of pres sure insideand outside the joint and injuriously affect the work of the apparatus.If desired, these escapements can extend right into the joint, as shown,to prevent accumulation of fluid in it.

L, Figs. 1 and 3, are divided cylindrical dies placed in cavities at theends of the parts A and B and held together by bolts M, which pass rightthrough them, as shown. These blocks, like the dies F, are for thepurpose of enabling different forms and constructions of joints to betreated in the one jig by substituting different blocks or dies withcavities suitably shaped to receive the parts.

The construction of the part of mold illustrated in Fig. 6 issubstantially the same as that shown in Figs. 1 to 4, except that it ispreferably made in segments divided at N, O, P, and Q, being, however,bolted together at those places when ready for subjection tofluid-pressure. Tubular packing-pieces can for a cycle-wheel or thelike.

be inserted at N and P to vary the height of the mold to suitdifferentheights of frames. At T, Fig. 6, is a superfluous joint, employed as atest-joint, by examining which after the operation is finished thecondition of the remaining joints can be estimated. U is a plug topermit this inspection to be readily made. Suitable channels areprovided in the appa ratus to enable the air trapped therein to escape,and screw-plugs are used to close those channels. -At D Fig. 6, is amold for the joints of the steering-head tube substantially similar tothat at D Fig. 1, for the bottom bracket-barrel.

Vith reference now to Figs. 7 to 11, U is the lug or bracket,V is thetube to be joined to it, and U U are oblique grooves on the interior ofthe lug or bracket, the grooves U extending in a direction reverse tothat of the grooves U After the parts U and V have been placed in theposition indicated in Fig. '7 oblique ribs or corrugations V V Fig. 8,are formed on the tube V, as shown, to engage, respectively, the groovesU U. By employing reverse grooves U U there is no possibility of thetube V becoming unscrewed from the lug or bracket U.

In Figs. 9 and 10 the tube V encircles a stud V, the latter beinggrooved externally with reverse grooves \V V into which entercorrugations V V formed on the tube, by forcing parts of itscircumference inward toward its center into the position indicated inFig. 10 after the tube and stud have been placed in readiness, asindicated in Fig. 9.

In Fig. 11 one end of the lug is shown .as having a bird-mouthed end Uwhich serves instead of the usual liner and gradually lessens thesupport instead of forming an abrupt termination thereof, which is aptto result in fracture. Similar extensions may be employed for a likepurpose at the end of any tube forming part of a tubular joint. Thereverse oblique corrugations or ribs or grooves need not necessarilycross each other, as shown, for they may occur at different portions ofthe length of a joint.

With reference now to Figs. 12 and 13, the mold therein employed isdivided longitudinally into two parts 1 and 2, in each of which areinternal corrugations 3, so arranged that Y the interior of themold-cavity corresponds in shape to the form which is to be given to aplain tube inserted therein in order to convert it into a tubecorrugated at intervals, so that it can be separated into shortportions, each of which latter would constitute a hub a is a shortlength of plain tube placed in the mold in readiness to be operated uponby fluid under pressure admitted to its interior by way of theperforated plug 5. Dotted lines, as at 6, show the tube after it hasbecome corrugated by the operation of the pressure-fluid in a similarmanner to that which has hereinbefore been described with reference tothe formation of corrugations in the tube illustrated, for instance, inFig. 8. By cutting the corrugated tube into short lengths by separatingit along the dotted lines 7 7 after taking it out of the mold a numberof cycle-wheel hubs are produced.

1. A jig or mold for forming the joints between tubular bodies byhydraulic pressure having connecting die-cavities corresponding indiameter to the external diameter of the bodies to be united and meansfor forcing fluid-pressure into both the cavities whereby theoverlapping ends of the two bodies placed within said cavities may bepressed into engagement with each other; substantially as described.

2. A jig or mold for forming the joints between tubular bodies byhydraulic pressure having die-cavities of differing diameterscorresponding to the difiering external diameters of the bodies to beunited and means for forcing fluid-pressure into the cavities wherebythe end of the inner or smaller body projecting within the larger bodymay be expanded into engagement with said outer or larger body;substantially as described.

3. A jig or mold for formingjoints between tubular bodies by hydraulicpressure, having a main die-cavity and a branch die-cavity communicatingwith the main cavity arranged at an angle with relation thereto andhaving a fluid-pressure inlet communicating with said main die-cavitysubstantially as and for the purpose described.

4. A jig or mold for forming joints between tubular bodies by hydraulicpressure having a main die-cavity, and a series of branch diecavitiesarranged angularly with relation to said main die cavity andcommunicating therewith and a fluid-pressure inlet leading to said maindie-cavity; substantially as described.

5. The combination with a jig or mold for forming joints between tubularbodies by bydraulic pressure, of independent dies mounted therein andhaving die cavities correspondingin diameter to the external diameter ofthe bodies to be united and means for forcing fluid pressure into boththe cavities whereby the overlapping ends of the two bodies placedwithin said cavities may be pressed into engagement with each other;substantially as described.

6. The combination with a jig or mold for forming joints between tubularbodies by hydraulic pressure of removable dies mounted therein andhaving die-cavities corresponding in diameter to the external diameterof the bodies to be united and means for forcing pressure into thecavities whereby the overlapping ends of the two bodies placed withinsaid cavities may be pressed into engagement with each other;substantially as described.

'7. A jig or mold for forming joints between tubular bodies by hydraulicpressure having die-cavities corresponding in diameter to the externaldiameter of the bodies to be united and also having vents extendingthrough the walls of the mold at approximately the meeting-point of thedie-cavities whereby fluidpressure between the walls of the telescopingends of the bodies placed within the diecavities may be relieved;substantially as described.

8. The combination with a jig or mold for forming joints between tubularbodies by hydraulic pressure having die-cavities corresponding indiameter with the external diameter of the bodies to be united and afluidpressure inlet communicating with said diecavities, of means forsealing the joint between said tubular bodies to prevent the entry offluid into the joint when subjected to pressure; substantially asdescribed.

9. The combination with a jig for forming joints between tubular bodiesby hydraulic press u re,having die-cavities corresponding in diameterwith the external diameters of the bodies to be united, a fluid-pressureinlet communicating with said die-cavities and packing for sealing thejoints between said tubular bodies to prevent the entry of fluid intothe joint when subjected to pressure; substantially as described.

10. In an apparatus for expanding tubular bodies by internal hydraulicpressure, the combination with a jig or mold having a diecavity ofpackings located at opposite ends of said die-cavity with means foradjusting said packings toward each other to clamp the tubular bodybetween them and to close its ends andafluid-pressure duct communicatingwith the die-cavity through one of the packings; substantially asdescribed.

11. A jig or mold for expanding tubular bodies by internal hydraulicpressure, having a main die-cavity, packings located at opposite ends ofsaid die-cavity and means for adjusting said packings toward each otherwhereby the tubular body may be clamped between the packings and itsends closed, said mold also having branch die-cavities arranged at anangle with relation to the main die-cavity and communicating therewithand a fluid-pressure duct communicating with the main die-cavity throughone of the packings substantially as described.

12. A jig or mold for forming joints between tubular bodies by hydraulicpressure, having main die cavities and branch diecavities interposedbetween the main diecavities arranged at an angle with relation thereto,and communicating therewith, and a fluidpressure inlet; substantially asdescribed.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand in the presence of thetwo subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES THOMAS CROWVDEN.

Witnesses:

HAW W. WADE, HARRY B. BRIDGE.

